I played Enterprise yesterday and it was packed. Less than 5 hr round though. Headed to Palm Springs for a golf trip tomorrow, so won't be able to play with you guys next weekend if you set anything up.

Anyone of you guys been to Top Golf, golf range, in Kingstowne, VA? Near the Wal-Mart in Springfield/Alexandira area.
That place is awesome! Very fun and different from the traditional golf range. They have nice golf bays with seats and tables. They even serve food and beer!!

We should try to meet up someday to hit some balls. A lot of fun and you can play against each other for points.

Anyone of you guys been to Top Golf, golf range, in Kingstowne, VA? Near the Wal-Mart in Springfield/Alexandira area.
That place is awesome! Very fun and different from the traditional golf range. They have nice golf bays with seats and tables. They even serve food and beer!!

We should try to meet up someday to hit some balls. A lot of fun and you can play against each other for points.

Anybody interested?

I heard that place is awesome from my cousin. I would make a trip down there to hit some balls. Arent there games you can play at the range or something?

Anyone of you guys been to Top Golf, golf range, in Kingstowne, VA? Near the Wal-Mart in Springfield/Alexandira area.
That place is awesome! Very fun and different from the traditional golf range. They have nice golf bays with seats and tables. They even serve food and beer!!

We should try to meet up someday to hit some balls. A lot of fun and you can play against each other for points.

Anybody interested?

Yeh, I've heard mixed reviews about it. I'd be interested in checking it out though.

I'm in, let me know if when you guys want to do it. I think I might try it out at lunch sometime this week. I have a listing down that way and may dovetail the two into one outing.

Anyone have a recommendations on what I might want to do for some clubs. I tend to be the type that likes to get the hang of things before jumping in totally. I know clubs can be crazy expensive and I really know very little about what my style is like (assuming I have one) and what kind of clubs would fit me best. In that vain, I figured buying a few basic simple but proven clubs might be a good way to start and if I keep going, then maybe I will know better what to invest in.
Let's start with this:

1)What is the minimum configuration I should have ie. putter, x iron, x iron, x driver)
2)What are good generic, or entry level brands to consider.

Thanks,
F1

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Very fun place.
Much more entertaining than than your traditional driving range.
Basically you have flags out there with rings around the flags. Each rings corresponds to points. The closer to the flag you hit, the more points, think of a bullseye format.
They have a display showing your name, points and such. They have different games you can play. Like each person goes for a hole and tries to get closest to the pin. The computer display shows how close you are and how many points you get.
It is a little bit more expensive than the traditional driving range, especially at peak times, but it does make the experience more fun.
All depends on what you are looking for.

I'm in, let me know if when you guys want to do it. I think I might try it out at lunch sometime this week. I have a listing down that way and may dovetail the two into one outing.

Anyone have a recommendations on what I might want to do for some clubs. I tend to be the type that likes to get the hang of things before jumping in totally. I know clubs can be crazy expensive and I really know very little about what my style is like (assuming I have one) and what kind of clubs would fit me best. In that vain, I figured buying a few basic simple but proven clubs might be a good way to start and if I keep going, then maybe I will know better what to invest in.
Let's start with this:

1)What is the minimum configuration I should have ie. putter, x iron, x iron, x driver)
2)What are good generic, or entry level brands to consider.

Thanks,
F1

Check out Golfdom in Tysons Corner, they have lots of good used sets there that are resonably priced. A lot of people around this area like to trade-in their clubs every year for the latest and greatest so you can find a good deal there.

Minimun config should be: SW, PW-3, 3 wood or a strong 4 wood, driver, and putter. In fact, you may want to consider dropping the 3 iron and get a hybrid instead, much easier to hit. I think official you are allowed up to 13 clubs so the 13th club can be a 5 wood or I use a gap wedge. A gap wedge is around 52 degrees. Basically fits right between the SW and PW.

Brands: Callaways are good but expensive. Their entry level clubs are very forgiving.
Taylormade has some good entry level or "Super Game Improvement" sets as well.

I usually go to the pro shop, like Golfdom and talk with the guys there. Tell them what your skill levels are and you can try hitting a few in the back test area.

I'm in, let me know if when you guys want to do it. I think I might try it out at lunch sometime this week. I have a listing down that way and may dovetail the two into one outing.

Anyone have a recommendations on what I might want to do for some clubs. I tend to be the type that likes to get the hang of things before jumping in totally. I know clubs can be crazy expensive and I really know very little about what my style is like (assuming I have one) and what kind of clubs would fit me best. In that vain, I figured buying a few basic simple but proven clubs might be a good way to start and if I keep going, then maybe I will know better what to invest in.
Let's start with this:

1)What is the minimum configuration I should have ie. putter, x iron, x iron, x driver)
2)What are good generic, or entry level brands to consider.

Thanks,
F1

1) Golfdom in Tysons sells used clubs, or try eBay.
2) You'll need: Putter, 5-iron thru 9-iron, a sand wedge, a lob or pitching wedge, a driver (1-wood), and maybe a hybrid or fairway wood depending on how you much you plan on playing and where...

So 10 clubs and a bag would suffice for most entry level golfers. I have a 4-iron, but never use it. I also have a hybrid 3i/5w but never use it.

For most tee shots, I use my 3w or 5w. I have never been able to make solid contact w/ one of those 460cc monster drivers...I'd rather hit 200-220 straight off the tee, than 300 with a nasty slice and unpredicatable outcome.
I trust my 5i/6i from 175+ and mostly use my 9i/lob wedge within 60y of the green. I don't have good control on my 7i-8i so I use the wedges a lot.

If you're a beginner, which I still consider myself (I started playing 2 yrs ago), I'd get a club to drive with -- a used 360cc (Callaway Big Bertha or X-Wood). Get a 5, 7, 9, PW, SW, and putter...maybe 1 hybrid fairway wood. That'd cut your clubs down to 7-8 and you could get a smaller carry bag...

I'd be GLAD to play with you all and help your learning process, as I am just learning too! I've also had 5 lessons (last summer) and am going to get more. If you're interested, the Dulles Golf Academy (in Sterling) is great. Ask for Jon Benkovic (sp?) -- he was a great tutor and not too $$$.

Well F1, you got some good information to start from.
Also pick the right type of flex shaft for you. Not everyone needs a stiff shaft. I actually use a regular flex graphite shaft for my irons and I love them. Try to get fitted if you can.

What they said, 'cept leave the driver alone. Otherwise you'll spend more time looking for balls in the rough, mostly on the right side too (if your right handed) .

I have Cobra's which are very very nice clubs and not too expensive. An Odyssey putter is the way to go; the 2 ball kind helps I have Taylor Made Rescue Club (which I tee off with also) and a Taylor Made R Driver, but I hardly use it.

Newbs usually do well with soft balls with high compression; the Dunlop Loco is a really good ball, so is the Maxfli Noodle. Stay away from Titanium balls, you'll feel like you're hitting rocks. I've come to appreciate the buttery feel of the Titlelist.

After all this, you'll either be a "driver" (more distance but less accuracy) or a "swinger" (less distance but more accurate). Now, I'll let Donny run with some "off-topic" comments.

Very fun place.
Much more entertaining than than your traditional driving range.
Basically you have flags out there with rings around the flags. Each rings corresponds to points. The closer to the flag you hit, the more points, think of a bullseye format.
They have a display showing your name, points and such. They have different games you can play. Like each person goes for a hole and tries to get closest to the pin. The computer display shows how close you are and how many points you get.
It is a little bit more expensive than the traditional driving range, especially at peak times, but it does make the experience more fun.
All depends on what you are looking for.

Good advice for "tman".
Forget about the driver for a while.
When I first started playing I did not use a driver for at least a year. If you can get good with a 3 wood or 5 wood, that would be very beneficial forever.

I have hit with Cobras before, pretty nice clubs. I just don't know enough about them.

Definitely get an Odyssey putter. I have the 2 ball SRT, funky looking one and I love it!!

I can't do Saturdays, gotta watch the baby while my wife works. Sunday is the only day for me, probably in the afternoon.

I might be able to do this Sunday afternoon, if not, May 13th.

I could even possibly do a weekday evening if anyone wants to meet up. I have a very irregular work schedule. I have meetings all over VA/DC/MD so somedays I get home really late and somedays I get home at a decent time.